(04 Apr 2015, 6:34 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Had a fantastic day out on a North East Explorer today. Didn't use it to it's full potential, but in terms of satisfaction; certainly milked it. I woke up at 09:00, and after preparing myself for the long day ahead, I made my way to the bus stop for my 78 to Sunderland.Hmmm, still intrigued that there was nothing in the depot...
#1 - Blyth Bus Station to Ashington Bus Station - (12:27 --- 13:03) - Arriva North East 1504 - VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar 2
I saw the 1 pull in, with the destination set for the return to Widdrington. Obviously, I wasn't intending to travel this far, but nonetheless I boarded for Ashington. I noticed the passenger numbers boarding at Blyth were quite high; I didn't realise the 1 was such a popular service. Sat at the very back, as my favourite seats were taken by some OAPs. Guess I got lucky, as I was informed by mb134 that Pulsars were quite lucky on the 1. After finding out I would normally have gotten an MPD, I was most pleased at my fortune!
A nice ride into Ashington, and the heating at the back of 1504 was great! After disembarking alongside a store (can't remember what it was) - I headed across to the depot. Nothing there of note, think there were a few things towards the very rear of the yard, although I couldn't get a good enough photo using my zoom. I did, however, take a photo of Dart 1301 parked up in full view outside of the depot. I assume it's a layover bay? As I walked towards the main part of the bus station, I saw my X22 pull in.
#X22 - Ashington Bus Station to Newcastle, Haymarket Bus Station - (13:10 --- 14:03) - Arriva North East 7527 - Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro400
Was pleased I had a refurbished example, as it performed well! Some people say these E400s aren't too good; after doing the whole route from Ashington to Newcastle, I have to say I was impressed with how 7527 ran. Some of the large gaps along stretches of road between stops were flown through, it picked up enough speed to ensure we picked up a bit of time by the time we reached Newcastle. Had a very friendly driver as well, who had some great driving and customer service skills.
Got to Newcastle, and we were dropped off at the bottom stand. I had a brief conversation with mb134 outside the Gregg's in the Haymarket bus station, and told him where 7523 and 7524 were, as he had asked me to look out for them as they had working plug-sockets, and he needed to charge his phone. After this, I made my way across to Eldon Square, in hopes of an Olympian. After around 15 minutes of looking up to Percy Street, in the midst of observing other things, I hit the jackpot. A yellow double decker appeared on the horizon, and this was definitely the highlight of the day.
Had a great day out, and was in the house by 17:00. Certainly got what I need out of it - a ride into Northumberland, a Yellow Bus Olympian and a couple of Renowns!
Marcus
Without wishing to sound annoying, (can't think of the word I want to use!), did you go down to the new depot, just sounds like you stayed by the old one if you only saw something outside on layover...
Good to hear you liked 7527, I noticed that 7507 arrived in on the X21 following after you went into Eldon Square, think your experience might have been a bit different had you had the refurb!
Again, it was nice seeing and talking to someone from the forum!
